St. Lucia

The Land, The People, The Light

overview

Welcome to St. Lucia

Saint Lucia, located in the Caribbean, is known for its breathtaking natural beauty, vibrant culture, and iconic landmarks. Its economy is driven by tourism, agriculture, and manufacturing, with the twin Pitons and luxurious resorts drawing visitors from around the world. The country’s lush rainforests, pristine beaches, and geothermal attractions like Sulphur Springs, combined with its rich heritage and lively festivals, make it a popular destination for expatriates and travelers seeking relaxation and adventure in a tropical paradise.

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St. Lucia Essentials

National Anthem

Sons and Daughters of Saint Lucia

Independence Day

February 22, 1979

Haiko

Pitons pierce the sky / Sulphur springs whisper of fire / Festivals unite.

Interesting Tradition

Celebrates "La Rose and La Marguerite," rival flower societies' festivals with song and pageantry.

Weirdest Local Superstition

Leaving your shoes upside down is believed to bring bad luck or anger spirits.

Strangest Law Still on the Books

Illegal to bathe in public waterways without proper clothing.

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Come for the history, stay for the future

Come for the romance, stay for the growth: St. Lucia blends its natural beauty with emerging opportunities in tourism, wellness, and sustainable development. Life moves between morning dips in the Caribbean Sea and afternoon work in Castries’ business district, while evenings offer serene sunsets and cultural celebrations. With a focus on eco-tourism and wellness ventures, St. Lucia is attracting entrepreneurs and innovators looking to create while living in paradise.

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Allons

Allons-y—step into a land where every sunrise over the Pitons is a promise of adventure. Here, golden beaches, lush rainforests, and a rhythm of life steeped in culture invite you to discover the heart and soul of the Caribbean’s most enchanting island.

overview

Welcome to Saint Lucia

Famous for the iconic Pitons and vibrant festivals where nature and culture intertwine.

St. Lucia isn't just a country—it's an island masterpiece painted with nature's finest colors. Here, time slows between the iconic Pitons and serene beaches, and even a simple sunset cruise becomes a memory etched in gold. This is a land where natural beauty and vibrant culture come together, creating a story that captivates the heart.

From the iconic peaks of the Pitons to the tranquil waters of Marigot Bay, St. Lucia offers a romantic escape for every traveler. Whether you're drawn to the bustling markets of Castries, the rejuvenating mud baths of Soufrière, or the serene beauty of Pigeon Island, you'll find an island that harmonizes natural splendor with rich culture. With its lush rainforests, vibrant festivals, and luxurious resorts, St. Lucia invites you to uncover its Caribbean allure and create unforgettable moments in paradise.

Statistics

Savor the Flavor

Eat

Green Fig and Saltfish (green bananas with salted cod) - Bouyon (hearty stew of meats, vegetables, and dumplings)

Drink

Sea Moss Drink (seaweed-based creamy beverage) - Piton Beer (local beer named after the iconic Piton mountains)

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Thirsty?

Beer

Annual consumption (liters per capita)

53.13

Wine

Annual consumption (liters per capita)

13.78

Coffee

Annual consumption (liters per capita)

Tea

Annual consumption (liters per capita)

0.43

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Cultural Tips and Etiquette

#1
Locals are called 'Saint Lucians,' and they are proud of their Creole heritage and cultural traditions.
#2
The annual Saint Lucia Jazz Festival and La Rose and La Marguerite festivals showcase the island’s music and artistry.
#3
Traditional foods like Green Fig and Saltfish are common in family and social gatherings.
#4
Greetings are important; a handshake and a warm smile are appreciated when meeting someone new.
#5
Politeness and respect, particularly towards elders, are integral to Saint Lucian culture.

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St. Lucia Essentials

Representative Novel

The Hills Were Joyful Together by C.L.R. James (A vivid portrayal of Caribbean life).

National Animal

St. Lucia Parrot

National Pasttime

Cricket

National Souvenir

Piton-branded Souvenirs

National Dish

Green Fig and Saltfish

Famous Festival

Saint Lucia Jazz and Arts Festival

Famous Dance

Kwadril

Famous Music

Dennery Segment

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Did You Know?

St. Lucia is home to the world's only drive-in volcano.

The Sulphur Springs in Soufrière allows visitors to drive right up to the edge of the volcanic crater.

St. Lucia's Pitons are a UNESCO World Heritage site.

These twin volcanic spires rise dramatically from the sea and are considered among the Caribbean's most iconic landmarks.

St. Lucia has won the most Nobel Prizes per capita.

With two Nobel laureates from a population of less than 200,000, St. Lucia holds this unique distinction.

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St. Lucia’s Key Historical Events

Pre-Colonial Era

April 2014

St. Lucia was initially inhabited by the Arawaks and later the Kalinago, who left a significant cultural and historical legacy on the island.

1650

July 2014

The French established the first European settlement in St. Lucia in 1650, laying the groundwork for plantation agriculture.

1763

February 2015

fter the Seven Years’ War, Britain gained control of St. Lucia, beginning a period of alternating French and British rule.

1834

March 2015

Slavery was abolished in St. Lucia, leading to social transformation and the emergence of a free labor economy.

1979

October 2016

St. Lucia achieved full independence from Britain on February 22, 1979, becoming a member of the Commonwealth.

MOBILITY

Access St. Lucia Residency Rights on the GlobalPassport™ Platform 

NO. OF Mobility Assets

1

MOBILITY

Citizenship Pathways and
Residency Requirements

Citizenship by Birth
Yes
Citizenship by DESCENT
Yes
Citizenship by MARRIAGE
Yes
DUAL Citizenship
Yes
RESIDENCY BY Naturalization
5
PASSPORT VALIDITY
5

MOBILITY

Passport Power

Visa Free Countries

123

Performance Class

Global Contender

Passport Grade

B-

Rank

85

Score

117.9

This visa grants access to:

• 29% of the world's population 

• 59% of UNESCO sites 

• 33% of global GDP 

• 26% of the world's land area 

MOBILITY

Visa-free access to:

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MOBILITY

Number of American Emigrants to St. Lucia by Year 

Year
1990
1995
2000
2005
2010
2015
2020
St. Lucia
276
372
511
742
916
877
851

MOBILITY

Compare My Passport

Select up to 3 Mobility Assets
Mobility Asset
Approval Time (est.)
Appointment Availability
Term (i.e. duration)
Minimum Investment
Physical Presence Requirement
Cost of Living
English Usage
Quality of Life
Healthcare Ranking
Passport Power
Visa-free Country Access
Number of American Expats
More Details

Rankings

St. Lucia's Global Rankings 

St. Lucia, a jewel of the Caribbean, is famed for its dramatic Pitons, luxurious resorts, and vibrant culture. Its economy thrives on tourism, agriculture, and manufacturing. Known for its natural beauty, from geothermal attractions like Sulphur Springs to pristine beaches, St. Lucia attracts visitors and expatriates seeking a perfect blend of adventure and relaxation.

Exceptional performance
Standard performance
Needs Improvement
Rankings are based on 2023-2024 Global Indices and Assessments from recognized international organizations. Updated quarterly to reflect the most recent available data
Cost of Living
2024
Quality of Life
2024
Safety
2024
Happiness
2024
Tax Burden
2024
English Proficiency
2023
43
Rule of Law
2024
Moderate
Healthcare System
2024
Pleasant Climate
2024

Healthcare

Healthcare Overview

Key Health Indicators

Median Age

years

Life Expectancy

years

Obesity Rate

Tobacco Use

Sources

Health care Indicators

Health Expenditure

of GDP

Hospital Beds

per 1000 people

Doctors

per 1000 people

Out-of-pocket

of total expenditure

Sources

Healthcare

Did you Know?

Public Healthcare System

St. Lucia provides affordable healthcare through public hospitals and clinics, though resources and services may be limited.

Private Healthcare Sector

Private hospitals and clinics in St. Lucia offer higher-quality and faster services, often preferred by expatriates and residents.

Healthcare for Expats

Expatriates in St. Lucia frequently choose private healthcare facilities and insurance to ensure access to better and faster medical services.

Pharmaceutical Accessibility

Medications are widely available in pharmacies across St. Lucia, though imported drugs can sometimes be costly.

Medical Evacuations

For specialized care, St. Lucia provides medical evacuation services to countries like Martinique or the United States.

Healthcare

United Healthcare Coverage Service Index (2000 - 2021)

chart visualization
The World Health Organization's United Healthcare Coverage Service Index (2000-2021) data describes the coverage of essential health services, defined as the average coverage of essential services based on tracer interventions that include reproductive, maternal, newborn and child health, infectious diseases, non-communicable diseases and service capacity and access, among the general and the most disadvantaged population.
Source:

Healthcare

St. Lucia Healthcare Cost Calculator

This calculator helps you compare healthcare expenditures between different countries based on per capita health spending data. The tool provides a straightforward comparison by allowing you to:
1. Select your current location from the dropdown menu
2. Choose a comparison country to see the difference in healthcare costs

The calculator displays two key metrics:
• Healthcare Expense Difference: The absolute dollar amount difference in per capita healthcare spending between the selected countries
• Percentage Difference: The relative difference expressed as a percentage
Please note that these calculations are based on annual per capita health expenditure data, which includes current prices and purchasing power parities (PPP). The figures represent total healthcare spending, encompassing both public and private healthcare expenses. For the most accurate planning and decision-making, please consult with healthcare providers or insurance companies in your target country for specific coverage options and costs.
Source:

cost of living

Cost of Living Overview

St. Lucia has a moderate to high cost of living, particularly in urban areas like Castries and tourist hubs like Rodney Bay. Housing costs can be significant, especially for modern apartments and villas in popular areas. Rural regions offer more affordable living options. Local produce and goods are reasonably priced, but imported products are more expensive due to transportation costs.

Cost of Gasoline

per liter

Cost of Meal

(Inexpensive Restaurant)

Monthly Rent

(1 bedroom, City Center)

Monthly Utilities

(85m² Apartment)

Domestic Beer

(0.5 liter draught)

VAT Rate

12.50%

cost of living

St. Lucia Cost of Living plus Rent Map

map visualization

cost of living

St. Lucia Cost of Living Calculator

cost of living

St. Lucia Rent Calculator

Taxation

Taxation Overview

Before moving to Saint Lucia, it's important to understand its tax system. Saint Lucia taxes residents on worldwide income while non-residents are taxed only on Saint Lucia-source income. Income tax rates are progressive from 15% to 30%. VAT is set at 12.5%. Property taxes apply. A tax identification number is required for tax purposes. Saint Lucia has no comprehensive double taxation treaties except with CARICOM members.

Tax Residency Requirement

183 days

Worldwide Income Taxation

Yes

Higher Rates for Foreign Assets

No

US Double Taxation Treaty

No

Personal Income

Progressive tax rate based on income levels

15-30%

Personal Capital Gains

Flat rate on investment gains

0.00%

Inheritance

Based on inherited amount and relationship

30.00%

Corporate Income

Standard corporate tax rate applied to business profits

0.00%

Corporate Capital Gains

Tax rate applied to capital gains from corporate investments

0.00%

Dividends

Withholding tax rate applied to dividend distributions

0.00%

Interest

Withholding rate interest payment to non-residens

15.00%

Royalties

Withholding tax rate for royalty payments

25.00%

Work Assignment

Foreign individuals are tax residents if physically present for at least 183 days in the income year, or if they have their permanent place of abode in Saint Lucia

Overall Ranking

Global position in PWC’c Ease of Paying Taxes ranking

85

Ease of Paying Taxes Score

Overall score based on multiple factors

75.5

Total Tax and Cotribution Rate

TTCR percentage including all mandatory contributtions

34.7
%

Time to Comply

Annual hours required to comply with tax regulations

110
HOURS

Number of Payments

Total number of tax payments required annually

35

Post-filing Index

Score measuring the ease of processes after filing taxes

76.9
%

taxation

St. Lucia Tax Burden Map

map visualization

taxation

St. Lucia Income Tax Calculator

This calculator helps you estimate your income tax obligations based on your personal situation and country of residence. The calculation includes essential tax elements specific to each jurisdiction, such as personal allowances, various types of deductions or tax credits, and progressive tax rates where applicable. The estimation considers multiple key inputs that vary by country, including your annual gross income (in USD), marital status when relevant, number of dependent children, as well as additional factors like medical expenses, educational costs, and retirement contributions.

The calculator provides three main results:
• Total Deductions and/or Tax Credits (based on jurisdiction-specific rules)
• Net Taxable Income (income subject to tax)
• Final Income Tax amount
Please note that these calculations are estimates and can vary significantly depending on specific circumstances, additional income sources, special deductions, and changes in tax regulations across different countries. Some jurisdictions may use tox credits instead of deductions, have different qualifying criteria for dependents, or consider various types of expenses differently. For precise tax planning and compliance, please consult with a qualified tax professional familiar with your jurisdiction's tax laws.
Source:

CLIMATE

Climate Type

Tropical; moderated by northeast trade winds; dry season from December to May; rainy season from June to November

Average Temperature

27.2°C

Humidity

79

%

Average Annual Precipitation

2100

mm

Rainless Days per Year

180

Best Time to Travel

November-April

Questions?

Frequently Asked Questions About Gaining Residency or Citizenship in St. Lucia

Find answers to common questions about GlobalPassport™ and our tools guiding you towards residency or citizenship in St. Lucia.

St. Lucia offers 2 different Mobility Assets: the Citizenship by Investment Program and the Temporary Residence Permit.

What Mobility Assets are available to me in St. Lucia?

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Do I need to speak English to apply for St. Lucian Mobility Assets?

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Can my family members apply for residency or citizenship in St. Lucia with me?

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How will the GlobalPassport™ help me move to St. Lucia?

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Can I keep my own citizenship?

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